4 Things To Look for In A Dentist for Your Child

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When looking for a pediatric dentist in Jacksonville, FL, it’s important to find the right person. Knowing what to look for can make your search more productive, so you can find a dentist your child responds to and trusts.

1. Range of Services

Look for a dentist who offers a range of services so your child can continue to use the same dentist as they get older. With a wide range of services, your child can get the dental care they need from their usual dentist, even if they have a serious dental problem.

2. Family Friendly Reputation

Look for a dentist who works with people of all ages, from children to adults. A family-friendly reputation is important because it shows you that the dentist will know how to help your child have a positive experience at the dentist, no matter what their age.

3. Experience With Pediatric Dentistry

Children have specific dental needs. It’s important to choose a dentist who has the tools and experience to help children with their dental problems, whether they have a cavity or a growing wisdom tooth.

4. Takes Your Insurance

Check with any dentist that you’re considering to ensure that they can take your dental insurance. You can find out by calling the dentist to ask their phone staff or by stopping in.

Do you need a family-friendly dentist in Jacksonville, FL? If so, the professionals at Dr. Matt Henry can help. We’re your source for adult dental and pediatric dental care in Jacksonville, FL. Call today.

Mother and Daughter Brushing Teeth

Dental Sealants: The Simple Treatment That Could Save Your Child’s Teeth

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It’s a great feeling to have a child with gorgeous teeth that haven’t been ravaged with cavities, gum disease and all the other bad things that can happen to teeth over time. One of the newest ways that parents can help their children keep molars cavity-free is with dental sealants. Relatively new in dental treatments, sealants are available at your family-friendly dentist in Jacksonville, FL, Dr. Matt Henry!

Understanding Dental Sealants

Dental sealants consist of a super thin coating that’s gently applied to the top indentations of the molars. This is where food is chewed. Because of the indentations, food debris and bacteria can hide, and eventually cause cavities. The molars are where many cavities in children exist. The sealants act as a protective barrier, so leftover food debris and bacteria can’t reach the actual tooth.

How do They Work?

Once in place, dental sealants create a smooth surface over the molar’s grooves, making it easier for your child to maintain proper oral hygiene. It’s worth it to note that the application of dental sealants is completely non-invasive and painless. It’s also quick, so it’s unlikely your child will be impatient while the dentist is working his “magic”! And, your child doesn’t need anesthesia or sedation during the process. Plus, no drills!

How Long do They Last?

Sealants can last a number of years before they need to be reapplied. Naturally, this is dependent on your child’s eating habits and oral hygiene practices. But no special care is needed with dental sealants. They don’t look or feel any different than the regular tooth without sealants.

you can help ensure your child’s teeth remain healthy as they grow. Talk to your dentist in Jacksonville, FL about whether sealants are the right option for your child. 

Is Your Child Too Young for Dental Care?

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It’s never too early to start quality dental care habits. Even if your baby hasn’t even started teething yet, they will still benefit from a check-up. If your child is at least one year of age, or their baby teeth are already protruding, we are ready to provide top-grade dental care for you and your family.

The adept team at Dr. Matt Henry Dental in Jacksonville, FL, is proud to serve the local community with top-notch dental care services and pediatric and family care so that you can rest assured that we are doing everything possible to ensure that the smiles of tomorrow prosper.

Signs Your Child May Need a Dental Checkup

You might think your baby is too young for dental issues, but trust us, it happens. Keep an eye out for these signs:

  1. Teething Troubles: Sore gums, drooling, and fussiness can be signs of teething, but if it’s really bothering your little one, it’s time to chat with our pediatric dentist.
  2. White Spots on Teeth: These can be an early sign of tooth decay. Catching it early can save you a world of hurt later.
  3. Thumb-Sucking or Pacifier Habits: If your child is a big fan of sucking their thumb or pacifier, it can affect their teeth and bite.

Your Partners in Quality Dental Care

Check-ups are essential and should be done more frequently for children. During our first consultation and examination, we’ll determine the right course of action and establish a regular cadence for check-ups.

We believe pediatric care takes patience and attention to detail, which is why we look forward to helping you and your child feel at ease with your oral care.

During your next appointment with the qualified team at Dr. Matt Henry Dental in Jacksonville, FL, you can be sure you receive the utmost care and guidance you and your family deserve.

How Thumb Sucking Can Lead to a Dental Disaster

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Most kids suck their thumbs from time to time. But at what point does it become a problem? The answer might surprise you. Your dentist in Jacksonville, FL, will be the first to tell you what can happen if you don’t get a handle on it sooner rather than later.

How Long Is Thumb Sucking OK?

Babies and toddlers suck their thumbs as a self-soothing mechanism. However, if it continues for too long it can cause long-term damage to their mouth and teeth (more about that in a moment).

After six months of age, a child’s thumb-sucking urge should decrease. However, 30% or so continue through their preschool years. A child will usually wean themselves off thumb-sucking around age three. Anything past that could turn into a dental disaster.

How Thumb Sucking Will Affect Your Child’s Teeth

These are some of the dental disasters that could happen if your child continues to suck their thumb past the age of three.

  • Overbite
  • Open bite
  • Misaligned teeth
  • Speech impediments
  • Social impacts (due to being the only one still sucking their thumb)

How to Stop Thumb Sucking

Your family dentist in Jacksonville, FL, has a foolproof solution to stop your child’s thumb-sucking issue quickly. Who would have thought a dentist could help? But they can!

Your dentist can fit your child with a special oral appliance called a palatal crib. A tongue crib (palatal crib) is cemented behind your child’s teeth. It prevents the thumb from reaching the roof of the mouth, reducing the gratification of thumb-sucking.

Do You Need a Dentist in Jacksonville, FL?

If you have a thumb-sucking child past the age of three, don’t wait to talk with your dentist about your options. Contact Dr. Matt Henry today. Our terrific staff understands how to deal with children and their dental issues properly. And we would love to help you fix your child’s thumb-sucking issues before they become a bigger problem.